Coating device and nozzle managing method

ABSTRACT

A coating device including a coating mechanism which includes nozzles for ejecting a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of the substrate while rotating a substrate in an upright state, and a nozzle managing mechanism which manages the state of the nozzles, in which the nozzle managing mechanism includes a soaking portion which dips the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution, and a discharging portion which discharges at least the soak solution, and a nozzle managing method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a coating device and a nozzle managing method. Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-160041, filed on Jul. 6, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, upon coating a thin film such as a resist film on various substrates such as a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate forming a liquid crystal panel, and a substrate forming a hard disk, a coating device is used to form the coating film on the substrate while rotating the substrate. In the coating device, in general, the substrate is laid down so as to be parallel to a horizontal plane and the substrate is rotated while the lower substrate surface is held.

Meanwhile, in the substrate used to form the hard disk, for example, it is necessary to coat the liquid material on both surfaces thereof. In the case of this kind of substrate in which both surfaces are required to be coated with the liquid material, it is not possible to hold the lower substrate surface. For this reason, Patent Reference 1, for example, discloses a technology in which the substrate is rotated while the substrate is held by a holding piece.

In the case where the liquid material is coated on both surfaces of the substrate when the substrate is laid down, the coating conditions between the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate are different. For this reason, the state of the thin film formed on the top surface of the substrate may be different from the state of the thin film formed on the bottom surface thereof. To the contrary, there has recently been proposed a technology in which the liquid material is simultaneously coated on both surfaces of the substrate in an upright (i.e. vertical) state.

[Patent Reference 1]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 7-130642

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is required that the liquid material on the substrate be in a satisfactory coating state when the liquid material is coated on the substrate.

For this reason, it is necessary to manage a nozzle while performing a coating process. In the case where the liquid material is coated on the substrate in an upright state, a ejecting direction of the nozzle is different from that in conventional technology, it is required to reliably manage the nozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In consideration of the above-described circumstance, an object of the invention is to provide a coating device and a nozzle managing method, which are capable of improving the management state of the nozzle.

A coating device according to a first aspect of the invention includes a coating mechanism which includes nozzles for ejecting a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of the substrate while rotating a substrate in an upright state; and a nozzle managing mechanism which manages the state of the nozzles; wherein the nozzle managing mechanism includes a soaking portion which dips the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution; and a discharging portion which discharges at least the soak solution.

According to the first aspect of the invention, since the coating device includes the soaking portion that dips the front end of the nozzle in the soak solution, it is possible to prevent the front end of the nozzle from drying out. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from becoming solidified on the front end of the nozzle, which makes it possible to avoid blockage in the nozzle or an insufficient ejection rate of the liquid material. In addition, according to the present invention, since it is possible to discharge the soak solution as needed, it is possible to prevent the impurities from being adhered to the nozzle in the case where impurities are mixed into the soak solution. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the management state of the nozzle.

In the coating device, the nozzle managing mechanism is preferably provided in the vicinity of the coating mechanism.

In this case, since the nozzle managing mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the coating mechanism, the nozzle managing mechanism is accessed by the nozzle in a short period of time. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the time required for the management of the nozzle.

In the coating device, the coating device preferably includes a cup portion, and the nozzle managing mechanism is preferably mounted to the cup portion.

In this case, since the coating device includes the cup portion, and the nozzle managing mechanism is mounted to the cup portion, it is possible for the nozzle to access the nozzle managing mechanism in an extremely short period of time.

In the coating device, the discharging portion preferably includes a connection portion to which the front end of the nozzle is connected.

In this case, since the discharging portion includes the connection portion to which the front end of the nozzle is connected, it is possible to connect the nozzle to the discharging portion. Accordingly, it is possible for the discharging portion to perform a preliminary ejecting operation of the liquid material.

In the coating device, the discharging portion preferably includes a suction portion.

In this case, since the discharging portion includes the suction portion, it is possible to rapidly perform a discharging operation of the soak solution. Further, for example, it is possible to remove foreign objects or the like adhered to the front end of the nozzle by bringing the front end of the nozzle close to the suction portion.

In the coating device, the discharging portion is preferably provided so as to be adjacent to the soaking portion.

In this case, since the discharging portion is provided so as to be adjacent to the soaking portion, it is possible to efficiently discharge the soak solution in the soaking portion. In addition, since it is easy to adjust the discharging rate of the soak solution from the discharging portion, a wide range of discharging modes in which a soak solution overflowing from the soaking portion is discharged and the like may be adopted.

In the coating device, the nozzle managing mechanism preferably includes at least a movement restricting portion that restricts a movement of the nozzle in a state in which the nozzle is connected to the soaking portion.

In this case, since the nozzle managing mechanism includes at least the movement restricting portion that restricts a movement of the nozzle in a state in which the nozzle is connected to the soaking portion, it is possible to prevent a deviation of the nozzle in an access state.

In the coating device, the movement restricting portion preferably includes a groove portion into which the front end of the nozzle is fitted.

In this case, since the movement restricting portion includes the groove portion into which the front end of the nozzle is fitted, it is possible to make an attempt to at least access the soaking portion, perform positioning of the nozzle at the time of accessing, and prevent a positional deviation by one operation that the nozzle is fitted into the groove portion. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently manage the nozzle.

In the coating device, the soaking portion preferably includes a soak solution storage portion storing the soak solution. The soak solution storage portion is formed so as to become narrower gradually in the depth direction.

In this case, since the soaking portion includes the soak solution storage portion storing the soak solution, and the soak solution storage portion is formed so as to become narrower gradually in the depth direction, a movable width of the front end of the nozzle dipped in the soak solution storage portion becomes smaller than the entrance of the soak solution storage portion. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a deviation of the front end of the nozzle in a state in which the front end of the nozzle is dipped in the soak solution to a minimum.

In the coating device, the nozzle managing mechanism preferably includes a preliminary ejection portion that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle, and the preliminary ejection portion preferably includes a linear member that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle.

In this case, since the nozzle managing mechanism includes the preliminary ejection portion that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle, and the preliminary ejection portion includes the linear member that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle, the nozzle managing mechanism is configured to receive the liquid material, not on its planar surface, but on its linear surface. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably receive the liquid material regardless of an ejecting direction of the liquid material. Further, since it suffices to provide a linear member smaller in volume than that of the planar portion for receiving liquid to the preliminary ejection portion, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the preliminary ejection portion.

In the coating device, the linear member is preferably disposed so as to intersect with the ejecting direction of the liquid material.

In this case, since the linear member is disposed so as to intersect with the ejecting direction of the liquid material, it is possible to more reliably receive the liquid material.

In the coating device, the linear member is preferably provided so as to be capable of drawing back from the front end of the nozzle.

In this case, since the linear member is provided so as to be capable of drawing back from the front end of the nozzle, it is possible to flexibly change the state of the inside of the preliminary ejection portion. Accordingly, the inside of the preliminary ejection portion may be made into a state corresponding to a processing status of the nozzle management.

In the coating device, the preliminary ejection portion preferably includes a second suction portion that suctions a surrounding space of the linear member.

In this case, since the preliminary ejection portion includes the second suction portion that suctions a surrounding space of the linear member, it is possible to remove the liquid material adhered to the linear member from the surface of the linear member. Accordingly, it is possible for the linear member to receive a new liquid material in a state in which the ability for receiving liquid is maintained.

A nozzle managing method according to a second aspect of the invention, in which nozzles eject a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of the substrate while rotating a substrate in an upright state, includes soaking for dipping the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution; and discharging of the soak solution.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the front end of the nozzle is dipped in a soak solution, it is possible to prevent the front end of the nozzle from drying out. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from solidifying on the front end of the nozzle, which makes it possible to avoid blockage of the nozzle or an insufficient ejection rate of the liquid material. In addition, according to the present invention, since the soak solution is discharged as needed, it is possible to prevent the impurities from adhering to the nozzle in the case where impurities are mixed into the soak solution.

In the nozzle managing method, the soaking and the discharging are preferably performed in the vicinity of the ejecting position of the liquid material with respect to the substrate.

In this case, since the soaking and the discharging are performed in the vicinity of the ejecting position of the liquid material with respect to the substrate, it is possible to switch an ejecting process, a soaking process, and a discharging process of the liquid material with respect to the substrate in a short period of time.

In the nozzle managing method, at least the soaking is preferably performed while restricting the movement of the nozzle.

In this case, since at least the soaking process is performed while restricting the movement of the nozzle, it is possible to stabilize the position of the front end of the nozzle. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably dip the front end of the nozzle into the soak solution.

The nozzle managing method preferably further includes preliminary ejecting of the liquid material from the front end of the nozzle.

In this case, since the nozzle managing method includes the preliminary ejecting process of preliminarily ejecting the liquid material from the front end of the nozzle, it is possible to stabilize the ejecting state of the nozzle.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting preferably preliminary ejects the liquid material into a discharge path in the discharging.

In this case, since the preliminary ejecting preliminary ejects the liquid material into the discharge path in the discharging, it is possible to make an attempt to save the space, and to unify the management of the discharge path.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting process preferably preliminary ejects the liquid material toward the soak solution.

In this case, since the preliminary ejecting process preliminary ejects the liquid material toward the soak solution, it is possible to shorten the time from the soaking to the preliminary ejecting. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform management of the nozzle.

In the nozzle managing method, the liquid material is used as a soak solution.

In this case, since the liquid material is used as a soak solution, it is possible to unify the types of liquids discharged from the discharging portion. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the burden required for management of discharge liquid.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting preferably includes suctioning of the front end of the nozzle.

In this case, since the preliminary ejecting includes the suctioning of the front end of the nozzle, it is possible to remove foreign objects or the like adhered to the front end of the nozzle. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the front end of the nozzle clean.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting preferably receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle by use of a linear member.

In this case, since the preliminary ejecting receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle by use of the linear member, the preliminary ejecting receives the liquid material, not on its planar surface, but with its line. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably receive the liquid material regardless of the ejecting direction of the liquid material. Further, since it suffices to provide a space smaller than that in the case of using the plane for receiving liquid, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the preliminary ejection portion.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting is preferably performed in a state in which the linear member is made to intersect with the ejecting direction of the liquid material.

In this case, since the preliminary ejecting is performed in a state in which the linear member is made to intersect with the ejecting direction of the liquid material, it is possible to more reliably receive the liquid material.

In the nozzle managing method, the preliminary ejecting preferably includes a second suction of suctioning a surrounding space of the linear member.

In this case, since the surrounding space of the linear member is suctioned in the preliminary ejecting, it is possible to remove the liquid material adhered to the linear member from the surface of the linear member. Accordingly, it is possible for the linear member to receive a new liquid material in a state in which the ability for receiving liquid is maintained.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coating device and a nozzle managing method, which are capable of improving the management state of the nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the constitution of a substrate processing system according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the constitution of a substrate processing system according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the constitution of a substrate processing system according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the constitution of a substrate loading mechanism and a substrate unloading mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the constitution of the substrate loading mechanism and the substrate unloading mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the constitution of the substrate loading mechanism and the substrate unloading mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the constitution of a holding portion.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the constitution of a substrate processing unit.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the constitution of a substrate processing unit.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the constitution of a substrate processing unit.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the constitution of a front end of a nozzle.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the constitution of an inner cup.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the constitution of a nozzle managing mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the constitution of the nozzle managing mechanism.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are views showing operations of the nozzle managing mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a view showing another constitution of a cassette moving mechanism.

FIG. 17 is a view showing another constitution of the cassette moving mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a partial constitution of the cassette moving mechanism.

FIG. 19 is a view showing another constitution of the cassette moving mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic constitution of a substrate processing system SYS according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the schematic constitution of the substrate processing system SYS. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the schematic constitution of the substrate processing system SYS.

In the embodiment, when describing the constitution of the substrate processing system SYS, for the purpose of simple markings, an XYZ coordinate system is used to describe the directions in the drawings. In the XYZ coordinate system, the horizontal direction in the drawing is marked as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction in plan view is marked as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to a plane including the X and Y axes is marked as the Z direction. In the X, Y, and Z directions, the arrow direction in the drawing is the +direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow direction is the −direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate processing system SYS is a system which is incorporated into, for example, a manufacturing line of a factory or the like and forms a thin film on a predetermined area of a substrate S. The substrate processing system SYS includes a stage unit STU, a substrate processing unit (coating device) SPU, a substrate loading unit LDU, a substrate unloading unit ULU, a carrying unit CRU, and a control unit CNU.

In the substrate processing system SYS, the stage unit STU is supported on a floor surface through, for example, a bridge member or the like. The substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, the substrate unloading unit ULU, and the carrying unit CRU are disposed on the upper surface of the stage unit STU. Inside each of the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, the substrate unloading unit ULU, and the carrying unit CRU is covered by a cover member. In the substrate processing system SYS, the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU are arranged in a linear shape along the X direction. The substrate processing unit SPU is disposed between the substrate loading unit LDU and the substrate unloading unit ULU. In a portion of the stage unit STU where the substrate processing unit SPU is disposed, a center thereof in plan view is recessed in the −Z direction relative to other portions.

As the substrate S as a processing object of the substrate processing system SYS according to the embodiment, for example, a semiconductor substrate such as silicon, a glass substrate forming a liquid crystal panel, a substrate forming a hard disk, and the like may be exemplified. In the embodiment, as the substrate S, a substrate which forms a hard disk is an exemplary example. The substrate is formed of glass, and is formed as a disk-shaped base, a surface of which is coated with diamond and in the center of which in plan view an opening is formed.

A loading operation and an unloading operation of the substrate S in the substrate processing system SYS according to the embodiment are performed by a cassette C capable of accommodating a plurality of sheets of the substrates S. The cassette C is a container formed in a square shape, and is capable of accommodating a plurality of sheets of substrates S in series so that the substrate surfaces face each other. Accordingly, the cassette C is configured to accommodate the substrates S in the state where the substrates S are erect in the Z direction. The cassette C has an opening formed in a bottom portion thereof. Each of the substrates S is accommodated so as to protrude from the bottom portion of the cassette C through the opening. The cassette C is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and has, for example, an engagement portion Cx formed in the +Z direction side edge portion as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment, as the cassette C, two types of cassettes, that is, a loading cassette C1 for loading the substrate S and an unloading cassette C2 for unloading the substrate S are used. The loading cassette C1 accommodates only the unprocessed substrate S, and the unloading cassette C2 accommodates only the processed substrate S. The loading cassette C1 is used between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate loading unit LDU. The unloading cassette C2 is used between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate unloading unit ULU. Accordingly, the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 are not used together. The loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 are formed to have, for example, the same shape and size.

Substrate Loading Unit

The substrate loading unit LDU is disposed on the −X direction side of the substrate processing system SYS. The substrate loading unit LDU is a unit which receives the loading cassette C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrate S, and collects the empty loading cassette C1. The substrate loading unit LDU is elongated in the Y direction, and is capable of accommodating a plurality of loading cassettes C1 arranged in the Y direction in a standby state.

The substrate loading unit LDU includes a cassette entrance 10 and a cassette moving mechanism (second moving mechanism) 11. The cassette entrance 10 is an opening which is provided in the −Y direction side of the cover member covering the substrate loading unit LDU. The cassette entrance 10 is an inlet (supply opening) for the loading cassette C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrates S, and an outlet (collection opening) for the empty loading cassette C1.

The cassette moving mechanism 11 includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a belt conveyor mechanism. In the embodiment, as the driving mechanism, conveyor belts (a supply belt 11 a and a collection belt 11 b) are provided. The conveyor belts extend in the Y direction from the +Y direction side end portion of the substrate loading unit LDU to the −Y direction side end portion thereof, where two conveyor belts extend in the X direction.

Among the two conveyor belts, the supply belt 11 a is a conveyor belt which is disposed on the +X direction side. The +Z direction side surface of the supply belt 11 a is used as a conveyor surface. The supply belt 11 a is configured to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the −Y direction. A plurality of loading cassettes C1, which enter the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance 10, are placed on the conveyor surface of the supply belt 11 a. The plurality of loading cassettes C1 are moved to the carrying unit CRU by rotation of the supply belt 11 a.

Among two conveyor belts, the collection belt 11 b is a conveyor belt which is disposed on the +X direction side. The +Z direction side surface of the collection belt 11 b is used as a conveyor surface. The collection belt 11 b is configured to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the −Y direction. The plurality of empty loading cassettes C1 are placed on the conveyor surface of the collection belt 11 b. The loading cassettes C1 are made to move to the cassette entrance 10 by rotation of the collection belt 11 b.

In the embodiment, for example, the loading cassettes C1 are capable of staying in a standby state at standby positions (container standby portion) provided at five positions on the supply belt 11 a and the collection belt 11 b. In the substrate loading unit LDU, it is possible to move the standby position of the loading cassettes C1 by rotating the supply belt 11 a and the collection belt 11 b. It is possible to shorten the carrying time of the loading cassette C1 by moving the standby position.

Substrate Processing Unit

The substrate processing unit SPU is disposed in the substrate processing system SYS so as to be substantially located at the center in the X direction. The substrate processing unit SPU is a unit which performs various processes such as a process of coating a liquid material such as resist on the substrate S so as to form a thin film thereon and a process of removing the thin film formed on the peripheral portion of the substrate S. The substrate processing unit SPU includes a buffer mechanism BF, a substrate carrying mechanism (rotary mechanism) SC, a coating mechanism CT, and a peripheral edge removing mechanism (adjusting portion) EBR.

The buffer mechanisms BF are respectively provided at two positions along the +Y direction side edge of the substrate processing unit SPU with the coating mechanism CT interposed therebetween in the X direction. Among the buffer mechanisms BF at two positions, the buffer mechanism disposed on the −X direction side of the coating mechanism CT is a loading buffer mechanism (substrate loading area) BF1, and the buffer mechanism disposed on the +X direction side of the coating mechanism CT is an unloading buffer mechanism (substrate unloading area) BF2.

The loading buffer mechanism BF1 is a portion where the loading cassette C1 supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU stays in a standby state. The loading buffer mechanism BF1 is provided with a cassette moving mechanism (third moving mechanism) 20. The cassette moving mechanism 20 includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a conveyor mechanism. In the embodiment, as the driving mechanism, two conveyor belts 20 a and 20 b are provided.

The conveyor belt 20 a is provided in an area in the X direction of the loading buffer mechanism BF1. The +Z direction side surface of the conveyor belt 20 a is used as a conveyor surface, and the supplied loading cassette C1 is placed on the conveyor surface. The conveyor belt 20 a is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in X direction. It is possible to move the loading cassette C1 in the X direction of the loading buffer mechanism BF1 by rotating the conveyor belt 20 a. The conveyor belt 20 b is provided at the center in the X direction of the loading buffer mechanism BF1. The +Z direction side surface of the conveyor belt 20 b is used as a conveyor surface, and the loading cassette C1 is placed on the conveyor surface. The conveyor belt 20 b is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the Y direction. By the rotation of the conveyor belt 20 b, the loading cassette C1 moves in the Y direction. In this manner, the cassette moving mechanism 20 moves the standby position of the loading cassette C1.

In the loading buffer mechanism BF1, plural, for example, three, loading cassettes C1 are arranged in the X direction of the formation area of the conveyor belt 20 a so as to stay in a standby state (second container standby portion). The standby position P1 on the −X direction side of the drawing is, for example, a standby position for the loading cassette C1 supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU. The standby position P2 at the center in the X direction of the drawing is a standby position for the loading cassette C1 moving from the standby position P1. The standby position P3 on the +X direction side of the drawing is a standby position for the loading cassette C1 moving from the standby position P2.

The +Y direction side end portion of the conveyor belt 20 b is disposed inside the standby position P2. For this reason, the loading cassette C1 disposed at the standby position P2 moves in the −Y direction side relative to the standby position P2 by the conveyor belt 20 b, and stays at the standby position P4 in a standby state. A loading position LP for the substrate S is provided on the +Z direction side of the standby position P4. The substrate S is carried to the coating mechanism CT through the loading position LP.

The unloading buffer mechanism BF2 is a portion of the substrate processing unit SPU where the unloading cassette C2 supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU stays in a standby state. The unloading buffer mechanism BF2 is provided with a cassette moving mechanism (third moving mechanism) 22. The cassette moving mechanism 22 includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a belt conveyor. In the embodiment, as in the loading buffer mechanism BF1, two conveyor belts 22 a and 22 b are provided as the driving mechanism.

The conveyor belt 22 a is provided in an area in the X direction of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2. The +Z direction side surface of the conveyor belt 22 a is used as a conveyor surface, and the supplied unloading cassette C2 is placed on the conveyor surface. The conveyor belt 22 a is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the X direction. It is possible to move the unloading cassette C2 in the X direction of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2 by rotating of the conveyor belt 22 a. The conveyor belt 22 b is provided at the center in the X direction of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2. As in the conveyor belt 20 b, the +Z direction side surface of the conveyor belt 22 b is used as a conveyor surface, and the unloading cassette C2 is placed on the conveyor surface. The conveyor belt 22 b is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the Y direction. By the rotation of the conveyor belt 22 b, the unloading cassette C2 moves in the Y direction. In this manner, the cassette moving mechanism 22 moves the standby position of the unloading cassette C2.

In the unloading buffer mechanism BF2, plural, for example, three, unloading cassettes C2 are arranged in the X direction on the conveyor belt 22 a so as to stay in a standby state (second container standby portion). The standby position P5 on the −X direction side of the drawing is, for example, a standby position for the unloading cassette C2 supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU. The standby position P6 at the center in the X direction of the drawing is a standby position for the unloading cassette C2 moving from the standby position P5. The standby position P7 on the +X direction side of the drawing is a standby position for the unloading cassette C2 moving from the standby position P6.

The +Y-direction-side end portion of the conveyor belt 22 b is disposed inside the standby position P6. For this reason, the unloading cassette C2 disposed at the standby position P6 moves in the −Y direction side relative to the standby position P6 by the conveyor belt 22 b, and stays at the standby position P8 in a standby state. An unloading position UP for the substrate S is provided on the +Z direction side of the standby position P8. The substrate S is carried from the coating mechanism CT to the unloading cassette C2 through the unloading position UP.

The substrate processing unit SPU includes a substrate loading mechanism 21 and a substrate unloading mechanism 27 in the vicinity of the buffer mechanism BF. The substrate loading mechanism 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the standby position P4. FIGS. 4 to 6 are views schematically showing a constitution of the substrate loading mechanism 21.

As shown in the drawings, the substrate loading mechanism 21 includes a substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 and a substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24. The substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 is disposed on the +X direction side of the standby position P4. The substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 moves in the Z direction while holding the +Z direction side portion of the substrate S. The substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 includes a raising and lowering member 23 a, a clamping member 23 b, and a raising and lowering mechanism 23 c.

The raising and lowering member 23 a is a column member which is formed in an L-shape in side view and is movable in the Z direction. The raising and lowering member 23 a includes a column portion which extends in the Z direction and a protrusion which protrudes from the front end of the column portion in the X direction. Among them, the column portion is provided up to the +Z direction side of the +Z direction side end surface of the loading cassette C1. The protrusion of the raising and lowering member 23 a is disposed at a position overlapping with the loading position LP in plan view. The −Z direction side portion of the protrusion is provided with a concave portion matching the shape of the substrate S.

The clamping member 23 b is mounted to the concave portion of the raising and lowering member 23 a. Accordingly, the clamping member 23 b is provided at a position overlapping with the loading position LP in plan view. The raising and lowering mechanism 23 c is a driving portion which is mounted to the raising and lowering member 23 a, and is disposed on the −Z direction side of the loading cassette C1. As the raising and lowering mechanism 23 c, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used.

The substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24 is provided at a position overlapping with the center of the loading position LP in plan view. The substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24 moves in the Z direction while holding the −Z direction side portion of the substrate S. The substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24 includes a raising and lowering member 24 a, a clamping member 24 b, and a raising and lowering mechanism 24 c. The raising and lowering member 24 a is a column member which is formed in a bar shape and is movable in the Z direction. The clamping member 24 b is mounted to the +Z direction side front end of the raising and lowering member 24 a. The clamping member 24 b is disposed at a position overlapping with the center of the loading position LP in plan view. The raising and lowering mechanism 24 c is a driving portion which is mounted to the raising and lowering member 24 a, and is disposed on the −Z direction side of the loading cassette C1. As the raising and lowering mechanism 24 c, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used.

It is possible to separately operate the raising and lowering mechanism 23 c of the substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 and the raising and lowering mechanism 24 c of the substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24, and to operate them in an interlocking manner.

The substrate unloading mechanism 27 is disposed in the vicinity of the standby position P8. The substrate unloading mechanism 27 has the same constitution as that of the substrate loading mechanism 21. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the constituents (including the unloading position UP) of the substrate unloading mechanism 27 corresponding to the constituents (including the loading position LP) of the substrate loading mechanism 21 are indicated by the parenthesized signs.

The substrate unloading mechanism 27 includes a substrate upper portion holding mechanism 25 and a substrate lower portion holding mechanism 26. The substrate upper portion holding mechanism 25 includes a raising and lowering member 25 a, a clamping member 25 b, and a raising and lowering mechanism 25 c. The substrate lower portion holding mechanism 26 includes a raising and lowering member 26 a, a clamping member 26 b, and a raising and lowering mechanism 26 c. Since the positional relationship, the function, and the like of the respective constituents of the substrate unloading mechanism 27 are the same as those of the corresponding constituents of the substrate loading mechanism 21, the description thereof will be omitted.

The substrate carrying mechanisms SC are provided at two positions with the coating mechanism CT interposed therebetween in the X direction so as to be located at the center in the Y direction of the substrate processing unit SPU. Among the substrate carrying mechanisms SC at two positions, a device disposed on the −X direction side of the coating mechanism CT is a loading carrying mechanism SC1, and a device disposed on the +X direction side of the coating mechanism CT is an unloading carrying device SC2. The loading carrying mechanism SC1, the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, and the coating mechanism CT are arranged in a linear shape in the X direction.

The loading carrying mechanism SC1 accesses the coating mechanism CT and the loading position LP of the loading buffer mechanism BF1 so as to carry the substrate S therebetween. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a constitution of the loading carrying device. As shown in FIG. 7, the loading carrying mechanism SC1 includes a base portion 30, an arm portion 31, and a holding portion 32.

The base portion 30 is provided on the upper surface of the recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The base 30 includes a fixed table 30 a, a rotary table 30 b, a rotary mechanism 30 c, and support members 30 d.

The fixed table 30 a is fixed to the upper surface of the recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The base portion 30 is fixed onto the stage unit STU through the fixed table 30 a so that no positional deviation occurs. The rotary table 30 b is disposed on the fixed table 30 a through the rotary mechanism 30 c. The rotary table 30 b is adapted to be rotatable about the Z axis serving as the rotary axis relative to the fixed table 30 a. The rotary mechanism 30 c is a driving mechanism which is provided between the fixed table 30 a and the rotary table 30 b, and applies the rotation force to the rotary table 30 b. Each of the support members 30 d is a column member of which the −Z direction side end portion is fixed onto the rotary table 30 b. The support members 30 d are provided at a plurality of positions, for example, two positions of the rotary table 30 b. The +Z direction side end portion of the support member 30 d is inserted into the arm portion 31.

The arm portion 31 is supported by the support members 30 d of the base portion 30. The arm portion 31 moves the holding portion 32 to different positions inside the substrate processing unit SPU. The arm portion 31 includes a casing 31 a formed in a pentagonal column. A front end surface 31 b of the casing 31 a is provided with an opening 31 c. A rotary mechanism 33, a suction mechanism 34, and a moving mechanism 35 are provided inside the casing 31 a.

The rotary mechanism 33 is disposed on the +Z direction side inside the casing 31 a. The rotary mechanism 33 includes a motor device 33 a and a rotary shaft member 33 b. The motor device 33 a and the rotary shaft member 33 b are adapted to be movable together in the horizontal direction in the drawing. The motor device 33 a is a driving device which applies the rotation force to the rotary shaft member 33 b. The rotary shaft member 33 b is a bar-shaped member which has a circular section and is disposed parallel to the XY plane.

The rotary shaft member 33 b is adapted to be rotatable about the center of the circle serving as the rotary axis by the driving force of the motor device 33 a. The rotary shaft member 33 b is disposed so that one end thereof protrudes from the opening 31 c to the outside of the casing 31 a (protrusion 33 c). The end surface of the rotary shaft member 33 b on the side of the protrusion 33 c is provided with a concave portion 33 d used for mounting the holding portion 32 thereto. The concave portion 33 d is formed in a circular shape in sectional view. The protrusion 33 c includes a fixing mechanism which fixes the holding portion 32 in the state where the holding portion 32 is mounted to the concave portion 33 d. Since the holding portion 32 is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the rotary shaft member 33 b and the holding portion 32 are adapted to be movable together.

The rotary shaft member 33 b includes a perforation hole 33 e. The perforation hole 33 e is formed so as to perforate a range from a bottom surface 33 f of the concave portion 33 d of the rotary shaft member 33 b to an end surface 33 g on the other side of the rotary shaft member 33 b. The bottom surface 33 f of the concave portion 33 d of the rotary shaft member 33 b communicates with the end surface 33 g through the perforation hole 33 e.

The suction mechanism 34 is provided in the end surface 33 g of the rotary shaft member 33 b. The suctioning means 34 includes a suctioning device such as a suction pump 34 a. The suction pump 34 a is connected to the perforation hole 33 e of the end surface 33 g of the rotary shaft member 33 b. The suction pump 34 a suctions the perforation hole 33 e from the end surface 33 g of the rotary shaft member 33 b, thereby suctioning the holding portion 32 disposed on the bottom surface 33 f of the concave portion 33 d communicating with the perforation hole 33 e.

The moving mechanism 35 is disposed on the −Z direction side inside the casing 31 a. The moving mechanism 35 includes a motor device 35 a, a rotary shaft member 35 b, and a movable member 35 c. The motor device 35 a is a driving device which applies the rotation force to the rotary shaft member 35 b. The rotary shaft member 35 b is a bar-shaped member which has a circular section and of which one end is inserted in the motor device 35 a. The rotary shaft member 35 b is adapted to be rotatable about the center of the circle serving as the rotary axis by the motor device 35 a. A screw thread (not shown) is formed on the surface of the rotary shaft member 35 b.

The movable member 35 c includes a screw-connection portion 35 d and a connection portion 35 e. The screw-connection portion 35 d is integrally formed with the rotary shaft member 35 b, and has a screw thread (not shown) formed on the surface thereof. The connection portion 35 e is fixed to, for example, the motor device 33 a of the rotary mechanism 33. A screw thread is formed on the lower surface of the connection member 35 e, and adapted to mesh with the screw thread formed in the screw-connection portion 35 d.

When the motor device 35 a rotates the rotary shaft member 35 b, the rotary shaft member 35 b and the screw-connection portion 35 d are adapted to rotate together. By rotation of the screw-connection portion 35 d, the connection member 35 e meshing with the screw thread of the screw-connection portion 35 d is adapted to move in the left or right direction in the drawing, and the connection member 35 e and the fixing mechanism 33 fixed to the connection member 35 e are adapted to move together in the left or right direction in the drawing. By means of the movement, the holding portion 32 provided in the right end of the rotary mechanism 33 in the drawing is adapted to move in the horizontal direction in the drawing.

The holding portion 32 is separably fixed to the concave portion 33 d of the arm portion 31. The holding portion 32 holds, for example, the substrate S by using the holding force such as the absorption force. The holding portion 32 includes a suction member 36 and a blocking member 37. The suction member 36 and the blocking member 37 are separably provided.

The loading carrying mechanism SC1 with the above-described constitution allows the holding portion 32 to access both the coating mechanism CT and the loading position LP in such a manner that the arm portion 31 rotates about the Z axis serving as the rotary axis or moves in the XY plane. The loading carrying mechanism SC1 can hold the substrate S by the suctioning force of the suction pump 34 a in the arm portion 31 so as to be upright in the Z direction, and it is possible to rotate the substrate S so as to be upright in the Z direction by rotating the rotary shaft member 33 b in the arm portion 31. The state where the substrate is upright in the Z direction refers to the state where the substrate S is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. In the embodiment, it is preferable to rotate the substrate by holding it in a state where the substrate is upright at an angle equal to or more than 70° and equal to or less than 90° with respect to a horizontal plane. The rotary shaft members disposed in the arm portion 31 for rotating the substrate may have a constitution in which a plurality of shaft members are connected through couplings.

Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 accesses the coating mechanism CT, the unloading position UP of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2, and the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR so as to carry the substrate S therebetween. The unloading carrying mechanism SC2 includes a base portion 40 (a fixed table 40 a and a rotary table 40 b), an arm portion 41, and a holding portion 42. Since the constitution of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 is the same as that of the loading carrying mechanism SC1, the description of the respective constituents will be omitted. In FIG. 7, the constituents of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 corresponding to the constituents of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 are indicated by the parenthesized signs. Hereinafter, when mentioning the constituents of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, the names of the corresponding constituents of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 are used, and the parenthesized signs in FIG. 7 are respectively added to the names.

The coating mechanism CT is substantially disposed at the center of the substrate processing unit SPU in plan view, and is fixed to the upper surface of the recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The coating mechanism CT is a device which coats a liquid material on the substrate S so as to form a thin film thereon. In the embodiment, the coating mechanism CT forms a thin film, used to perform an imprinting process, on the substrate S. The access to the coating device CT is possible from both the −X direction side and +X direction side of the coating mechanism CT. Accordingly, for example, the loading operation and the unloading operation of the substrate S are possible from both the −X direction side and the +X direction side. The coating device CT is configured to perform a coating process at a coating position (a position depicted by the dashed line in the drawing) 50 substantially positioned in the center of the STU unit in the X direction. FIGS. 8 to 10 are views showing a constitution of the coating mechanism CT. The coating mechanism CT includes a nozzle portion NZ, a cup portion CP, and a nozzle managing mechanism NM.

The nozzle portions NZ are provided so as to access the center in the Y direction of the coating position 50 by using the nozzle moving mechanism 51. The nozzle portions NZ are respectively disposed on the +X direction side and the −X direction side of the coating position 50. Each nozzle portion NZ includes the nozzle 52 which ejects the liquid material as a material forming the thin film onto the substrate S. The nozzle 52 is formed by bending at the bent portion 52 b so as to eject the liquid material from the center of the substrate S to the outer periphery thereof when the nozzle accesses the coating position. The nozzle 52 is provided on the −Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S. The nozzles 52 are disposed at the same positions of the front surface (+X direction side) and the rear surface (−X direction side) of the substrate S relative to the coating position 50 so as to be symmetric to each other in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the ejecting surface 52 a of the front end of the nozzle 52 is inclined relative to the ejecting direction of the liquid material. Since the front end of the nozzle 52 is sharp, for example, it is possible for the liquid material to neatly run out from the nozzle upon stopping the coating operation using the liquid material.

The cup portion CP includes an inner cup CP1 and an outer cup CP2. The inner cup CP1 is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the X direction, and is disposed so as to surround the side portion of the substrate S disposed at the coating position 50. The outer cup CP2 is formed in a square shape when viewed in the X direction, and supports the outside portion of the inner cup CP1. The outer cup CP2 is fixed to the upper surface of the stage unit STU through, for example, a support member or the like. In the embodiment, the inner cup CP1 and the outer cup CP2 are integrally formed with each other, but may, of course, be separated from each other.

The inner cup CP1 includes an accommodation portion 53 which accommodates the liquid material. The accommodation portion 53 is provided with the discharging mechanism 54 which discharges at least one of the liquid material and gas inside the accommodation portion 53. The discharging mechanism 54 is provided along the tangential direction of the outer periphery of the inner cup CP1 formed in a circular shape.

As shown in FIG. 9, the discharging mechanism 54 is connected to an opening 53 d of the inner cup CP1 through flow paths such as piping provided in the outer cup CP2. In this way, the discharging mechanism 54 is connected to the accommodation portion 53 of the inner cup CP1 through the piping and the opening 53 d. In addition, the shape of the opening 53 d is not limited to a shape along the tangential direction of the inner cup CP1 as shown in FIG. 9. For example, the shape of the opening 53 d may be a shape along the radial direction of the inner cup CP1. In this case, for example, the discharging mechanism 54 may be disposed in the four corners or in the center of the four sides of the outer cup CP2. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the discharging mechanism 54 is provided in each of four edges of the outer cup CP2, where the number of discharging mechanisms 54 is four in total. As shown in FIG. 9, each discharging mechanism 54 is connected to each discharge path. Each discharge path is provided with the trap mechanism 55 which is a gas-liquid separating mechanism for separating a gas and a liquid. In addition, the discharge path and the trap mechanism 55 for other discharge mechanisms 54 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 are not shown in the drawing.

As the inlet of the accommodation portion 53, the facing portion 53 a of the inner cup CP1 facing the side portion of the substrate S is separably mounted to other portions of the inner cup CP1. As shown in FIG. 12, the inner cup CP1 includes the nozzle managing mechanism 53 b which adjusts the dimension of the opening of the facing portion 53 a. For example, it is possible to adjust the dimension of the opening by using the nozzle managing mechanism 53 b in accordance with the thickness of the substrate S or the bouncing state of the coating liquid. The −Y direction side portion of the nozzle 52 is provided with the cleaning liquid nozzle portion 56 which ejects the cleaning liquid of the cup portion CP to the substrate S.

The nozzle managing mechanism NM manages the nozzle 52 so that the ejecting state thereof is uniform.

The nozzle managing mechanism NM is mounted to the outer surface on the +X direction side of the cup portion CP.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a constitution of the nozzle managing mechanism NM when viewed in the −X direction. FIG. 14 is a view showing a constitution of the nozzle managing mechanism NM when viewed in the −Z direction.

As shown in these drawings, the nozzle managing mechanism NM includes a casing BD, a soaking portion 57, a discharging portion 58, and a preliminary ejection portion 59. The soaking portion 57, the discharging portion 58 and the preliminary ejection portion 59 are respectively formed in the casing BD, and those are integrally formed.

The soaking portion 57 dips the front end of the nozzle 52 in a soak solution, which makes it possible to prevent the front end of the nozzle 52 from drying out. For example, a cleaning liquid or the like that is a liquid material is used as a soak solution. The casing BD has a groove portion 57 a at a position corresponding to the soaking portion 57. The groove portion 57 a is for connecting the nozzle 52 to the soaking portion 57. In more detail, the groove portion 57 a is a portion for causing the nozzle 52 to be fitted into the soaking portion 57. In a state in which the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 57 a, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 accesses the soaking portion 57. When the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 57 a, it is possible to prevent the nozzle 52 from being deviated, for example, in the Y direction in accessing of the front end portion of the nozzle 52.

The soaking portion 57 has a soak solution storage portion 57 b. The soak solution storage portion 57 b is a portion that stores a soak solution Q, and is formed so as to be tapered as going along the −Z direction. The soak solution Q goes through a flow path 57 d from a soak solution supplying portion 57 c provided on the +Y direction side of the soak solution storage portion 57 b, to be supplied to the soak solution storage portion 57 b.

The discharging portion 58 is a portion for discharging the soak solution. The discharging portion 58 is disposed on the −Y direction side of the soaking portion 57, to be communicated with the soaking portion 57. Since the discharging portion 58 is communicated with the soaking portion 57, the soak solution overflowing from the soaking portion 57 is to be discharged, which makes it possible to keep the soak solution in the soaking portion 57 constant. The casing BD has a groove portion 58 a (connection portion) at a position corresponding to the discharging portion 58. The groove portion 58 a is a portion into which the nozzle 52 is fitted. In a state in which the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 58 a, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 accesses the inside of the discharging portion 58.

The discharging portion 58 has a suction mechanism 58 b. As the suction mechanism 58 b, for example, a suction pump or the like may be used. The suction mechanism 58 b is connected to the space communicated with the soak solution storage portion 57 b of the soaking portion 57. When the suction mechanism 58 b is operated, a discharge flow path 58 c in which the front end portion of the nozzle 52 is disposed and the soak solution storage portion 57 b are simultaneously suctioned.

The preliminary ejection portion 59 is a portion for performing preliminary ejecting of the liquid material from the nozzle 52. The preliminary ejection portion 52 is disposed on the −Y direction side of the discharging portion 58, and is provided at a distance from the soaking portion 57 and the discharging portion 58. The casing BD has a groove portion 59 a at a position corresponding to the preliminary ejection portion 59. The groove portion 59 a is a portion into which the nozzle 52 is fitted. The groove portion 59 a is formed to be broader in size along the Y direction than the groove portion 57 a and the groove portion 58 a. In a state in which the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 59 a, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 accesses the preliminary ejection portion 59.

The preliminary ejection portion 59 includes a preliminary ejection member 59 b, a drain flow path 59 c, a drain mechanism 59 d, a suction flow path 59 e, a suction mechanism 59 f, and a cleaning liquid supplying mechanism 59 g. The drain flow path 59 c is a flow path formed in the −Z direction from the position at which the groove portion 59 a is provided. The liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52 partially flows in the drain flow path 59 c. The drain mechanism 59 d is a portion for discharging the liquid material flowing in the −Z direction in the drain flow path 59 c.

The suction flow path 59 e is a flow path which is connected to the drain flow path 59 c, and branched in the −Y direction from the drain flow path 59 c. The suction mechanism 59 f is connected to the end portion on the −Y direction side of the suction flow path 59 e. As the suction mechanism 59 f, for example, a suction pump or the like is used. When the suction mechanism 59 f is operated, the inside of the suction flow path 59 e is suctioned.

The preliminary ejection member 59 b is a part receiving the liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52. The preliminary ejection member 59 b is provided in the suction flow path 59 e. The preliminary ejection member 59 b is a linear member formed along the direction of forming the suction flow path 59 e (Y direction). As a material forming the preliminary ejection member 59 b, a material may be used from a wide variety of materials such as metal materials and resin materials. The preliminary ejection member 59 b is provided to be movable in the Y direction by a moving mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, when the preliminary ejection member 59 b is moved, it is possible to cause the end portion on the +Y direction side of the preliminary ejection member 59 b to protrude and draw back in the drain flow path 59 c. In a state in which the preliminary ejection member 59 b protrudes in the drain flow path 59 c, the ejecting direction of the liquid material of the nozzle 52 and the extending direction of the preliminary ejection member 59 b are perpendicular to each other. The cleaning liquid supplying mechanism 59 g is a part supplying a cleaning liquid to the preliminary ejection member 59 b. The cleaning liquid supplying mechanism 59 g is mounted, for example, on the −Z direction side of the suction flow path 59 e, and is capable of supplying a cleaning liquid in the +Z direction.

The peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR is provided at a position on the +X direction side of the coating mechanism CT along the −Y direction side edge of the substrate processing unit SPU. The peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR is a device which removes the thin film formed on the peripheral edge of the substrate S. It is desirable that a removing process using the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR be performed in a state where the thin film formed on the substrate S is not dried. For this reason, it is desirable that the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR be disposed at a position capable of carrying the substrate S from the coating mechanism CT.

The peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR includes a dip portion, a suction portion, and a raising and lowering mechanism (not shown). The dip portion is, for example, a portion which removes the thin film formed on the peripheral edge of the substrate S in such a manner that the peripheral edge of the substrate S is dipped in the solution by rotating the substrate S so as to dissolve and remove the thin film formed on the peripheral edge of the substrate S. The suction portion is a portion for suctioning the peripheral edge of the substrate S after dipping in the solution of the dip portion. The raising and lowering mechanism is a moving mechanism which moves the dip portion and the suction portion in the Z direction.

Substrate Unloading Unit

Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate unloading unit ULU is disposed on the +X direction side of the substrate processing unit SPU in the substrate processing system SYS. The substrate unloading unit ULU is a unit which collects the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S and receives the empty unloading cassette C2. The substrate unloading unit ULU is elongated in the Y direction, and is capable of accommodating a plurality of unloading cassettes C2 arranged in the Y direction.

The substrate unloading unit ULU includes a cassette entrance 60 and a cassette moving mechanism (second moving mechanism) 61. The cassette entrance 60 is an opening which is provided on the −Y direction side of the cover member covering the substrate unloading unit ULU. The cassette entrance 60 is an inlet (supply opening) for the empty unloading cassette C2, and an outlet (collection opening) for the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S.

The cassette moving mechanism 61 includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a belt conveyor mechanism. In the embodiment, as the driving mechanism, conveyor belts are provided. The conveyor belts extend in the Y direction from the +Y direction side end portion of the substrate unloading unit ULU to the −Y direction side end portion thereof, where two conveyor belts are arranged in the X direction.

Among the two conveyor belts, the supply belt 61 a is a conveyor belt which is disposed on the −X direction side. The +Z direction side surface of the supply belt 61 a is used as a conveyor surface. The supply belt 61 a is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the +Y direction. The plurality of unloading cassettes C2, which enter the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance 60, are placed on the conveyor surface of the supply belt 61 a. The unloading cassettes C2 are moved to the carrying unit CRU by the rotation of the supply belt 61 a.

Among the two conveyor belts, the collection belt 61 b is a conveyor belt which is disposed on the +X direction side. The +Z direction side surface of the collection belt 61 b is used as a conveyor surface. The collection belt 61 b is adapted to rotate so that the conveyor surface moves in the −Y direction. The plurality of unloading cassettes C2 accommodating the processed substrates S are placed on the conveyor surface of the collection belt 61 b. The unloading cassettes C2 are allowed to move to the cassette entrance 60 by the rotation of the collection belt 61 b.

In the embodiment, for example, the unloading cassettes C2 are capable of staying in a standby state at standby positions (container standby portion) provided at five positions on the supply belt 61 a and the collection belt 61 b. In the substrate unloading unit ULU, it is possible to move the standby position of the unloading cassette C2 by rotating the supply belt 61 a and the collection belt 61 b. It is possible to shorten the carrying time of the unloading cassette C2 by moving the standby position.

Carrying Unit

The carrying unit CRU is disposed in an area along the +Y direction side edge inside the substrate processing system SYS, and is disposed so as to be adjacent to the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU. The carrying unit CRU carries the loading cassette C1 between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate loading unit LDU, and carries the unloading cassette C2 between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate unloading unit ULU. The carrying unit CRU includes a rail mechanism RL and a cassette carrying device CC.

The rail mechanism RL is fixed onto the stage unit STU, and extends in a linear shape in the X direction from the −X-direction-side end portion of the carrying unit CRU to the +X-direction-side end portion thereof. The rail mechanism RL is a guiding mechanism which guides the moving position of the cassette carrying device CC. The rail mechanism RL includes two rail members 70 which are parallel in the Y direction.

The cassette carrying device CC is provided on two rail members 70 so as to be suspended on the two rail members 70 in plan view. The cassette carrying device CC is a carrying device which accesses the buffer mechanism BF of the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU, and holds and carries the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2. The cassette carrying device CC includes a movable member 71, a cassette support plate 72, a support plate rotating mechanism 73, a cassette holding member 74, a holding member raising and lowering mechanism 75 (FIG. 3), and a holding member sliding mechanism 76 (FIG. 3).

The movable member 71 is formed in an H-shape in plan view, and includes concave portions 71 a which are respectively fitted to two rail members 70. The movable member 71 includes therein, for example, a driving mechanism (a motor mechanism or the like) which is not shown in the drawing. The movable member 71 is adapted to be movable in a linear area along the rail members 70 by the driving force of the driving mechanism.

The cassette support plate 72 is a plate-shaped member which is fixed to the movable member 71 and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. The cassette support plate 72 is formed to have a dimension larger than that of the bottom portion of each of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2, and is capable of stably placing the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 thereon. Since the cassette support plate 72 is fixed to the movable member 71, the cassette support plate 72 moves together with the movable member 71.

The support plate rotating mechanism 73 is a rotary mechanism which rotates the cassette support plate 72 in the XY plane where the Z axis serves as the rotary axis. The support plate rotating mechanism 73 is capable of changing the longitudinal direction of each of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 placed on the cassette carrying device CC by rotating the cassette support plate 72.

The cassette holding member 74 is a holding member which is disposed on the +Y direction side of the cassette support plate 72 in plan view and is formed in a U-shape in plan view. The cassette holding member 74 is provided so that the X-direction position thereof overlaps with the cassette support plate 72. The cassette holding member 74 is supported on the movable member 71 through a support member (not shown), and is movable together with the movable member 71. Both end portions, formed in a U-shape, of the cassette holding member 74 are formed as a holding portion 74 a which engages with the engagement portion Cx provided in each of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2. A gap of the holding portion 74 a (both end portions formed in a U-shape) in the X direction is adjustable in accordance with a gap of the engagement portion Cx provided in each of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2. The cassette holding member 74 is capable of further reliably holding the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 in the Z direction in such a manner that the holding portion 74 a engages with the engagement portion Cx.

The holding member raising and lowering mechanism 75 is a moving mechanism which is provided in the cassette holding member 74 and moves the cassette holding member 74 in the Z direction. As the holding member raising and lowering mechanism 75, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used.

When the cassette holding member 74 moves in the +Z direction by using the holding member raising and lowering mechanism 75, it is possible to lift the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 held by the cassette holding member 74. On the contrary, when the cassette holding member 74 moves in the −Z direction by using the holding member raising and lowering mechanism 75, it is possible to place the lifted cassette in a desired position.

The holding member sliding mechanism 76 is a moving mechanism which is provided in the cassette holding member 74, and moves the cassette holding member 74 in the Y direction. The holding member sliding mechanism 76 includes a guide bar 76 b which extends in the Y direction and a movable member 76 a which moves along the guide bar 76 b. The movable member 76 a is fixed to the cassette holding member 74. When the movable member 76 a moves in the Y direction along the guide bar 76 b, the cassette holding member 74 moves together with the movable member 76 a in the Y direction.

Control Unit

The control unit CNU is provided in the stage unit STU of the substrate processing system SYS. The control unit CNU includes, for example, a control device which controls all operations in the respective units and a material supply source which supplies a material required for each unit, where all operations include a substrate processing operation in the substrate processing unit SPU, a cassette moving operation in the substrate loading unit LDU or the substrate unloading unit ULU, a carrying operation in the carrying unit CRU, and the like. The material supply source may be exemplified by, for example, a liquid material supply source, a cleaning liquid supply source, a soak solution supply source, or the like.

Next, an operation of the substrate processing system SYS having the above-described constitution will be described. The operations performed by the respective units of the substrate processing system SYS are controlled by the control unit CNU. In the below description, the unit performing the operation is mainly described, but actually, the operation is performed on the basis of the control of the control unit CNU.

Cassette Supply Operation

First, the cassette supply operation in which the loading cassette C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrate S is disposed in the substrate loading unit LDU, and the empty unloading cassette C2 is disposed in the substrate unloading unit ULU will be described.

For example, by a supply device (not shown) or the like, the loading cassette C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrate S is supplied to the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance 10. The substrate loading unit LDU sequentially supplies the loading cassettes C1 while rotating the supply belt 11 a. By this operation, the plurality of loading cassettes C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrates S are arranged inside the substrate loading unit LDU.

On the other hand, for example, by a supply device (not shown) or the like, the empty unloading cassettes C2 are supplied to the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance 60. The substrate unloading unit ULU allows the unloading cassettes C1 to sequentially supply while rotating the supply belt 11 a. By this operation, the plurality of unloading cassettes C2 accommodating the unprocessed substrates S are arranged inside the substrate unloading unit ULU.

Cassette Carrying Operation

Next, the cassette carrying operation in which the loading cassette C1 supplied to the substrate loading unit LDU and the unloading cassette C2 supplied to the substrate unloading unit ULU are respectively supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU will be described. This cassette carrying operation is performed using the cassette carrying device CC provided in the carrying unit CRU.

The operation of carrying the loading cassette C1 will be described. The carrying unit CRU allows the cassette carrying device CC to access the substrate loading unit LDU, and transfers the loading cassettes C1 and moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the loading buffer mechanism BF1. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC, and places the loading cassettes C1 to the standby position P1 of the loading buffer mechanism BF1. After the transfer operation, the substrate loading unit LDU moves the supply belt 11 a, and moves the rest of the loading cassettes C1 together in the +Y direction. According to the movement of the loading cassettes C1, the space on the −Y direction side on the supply belt 11 a becomes empty. Accordingly, a new loading cassette C1 is supplied to the empty space by a supply mechanism (not shown).

The operation of carrying the unloading cassette C2 is performed in the same manner. That is, the carrying unit CRU allows the cassette carrying device CC to access the substrate unloading unit ULU, and transfers the unloading cassettes C2 and moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the unloading buffer mechanism BF1. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC, and places the unloading cassettes C2 in the standby position P5 of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2. After the transfer operation, the substrate unloading unit ULU moves the supply belt 61 a, and moves the rest of the unloading cassettes C2 together in the +Y direction. According to the movement of the unloading cassettes C2, the space on the −Y direction side on the supply belt 61 a becomes empty. Accordingly, a new unloading cassette C2 is supplied to the empty space by a supply mechanism (not shown).

Substrate Processing Operation

Next, a processing operation of the substrate processing unit SPU will be described.

The substrate processing unit SPU performs a moving operation of moving the loading cassette C1 accommodating the unprocessed substrate S and the empty unloading cassette C2, a loading operation of loading the substrate S accommodated in the loading cassette C1, a coating operation of coating a liquid material on the substrate S, a peripheral edge removing operation of removing the peripheral edge of the thin film formed on the substrate S, an unloading operation of unloading the processed substrate S, a moving operation of moving the empty loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S, a maintenance operation of maintaining a nozzle portion NZ, and a maintenance operation of maintaining a cup portion CP. In addition to the operations, the carrying operation of carrying the substrate S is performed between the loading operation and the coating operation, between the coating operation and the peripheral edge removing operation, and between the shape forming operation and the unloading operation.

Among these operations, first, the moving operation of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 will be described. The substrate processing unit SPU moves the loading cassette C1 carried to the standby position P1 of the loading buffer mechanism BF1 to the standby position P2 using the conveyor belt 20 a, and further moves the loading cassette C1 moved to the standby position P2 to the standby position P4 by using the conveyor belt 20 b. In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the unloading cassette C2 carried to the standby position P5 of the unloading buffer mechanism BF2 to the standby position P6 using the conveyor belt 22 a, and further moves the unloading cassette C2 moved to the standby position P6 to the standby position P8 using the conveyor belt 22 b. According to these operations, the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 carried to the substrate processing unit SPU are disposed at a process start position.

Next, the loading operation of the substrate S will be described. After the substrate processing unit SPU checks that the loading cassette C1 is disposed at the standby position P4, the substrate processing unit SPU disposes the substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23 at the clamping position and moves the raising and lowering member 24 a of the substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24 in the +Z direction. According to the movement, the clamping member 24 b mounted to the +Z direction side end portion of the raising and lowering member 24 a comes into contact with the −Z direction side portion of one sheet of substrate S disposed on the farthest −Y direction side among the substrate S accommodated in the loading cassette C1, and the −Z direction side portion of the substrate S is held by the clamping member 24 b.

After the −Z direction side portion of the substrate S is held, the substrate processing unit SPU moves further the raising and lowering member 24 a in the +Z direction in the held state of the substrate S. According to the movement, the substrate S is lifted in the +Z direction side by the substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24, the +Z direction side portion of the substrate S comes into contact with the clamping member 23 b of the substrate upper portion holding mechanism 23, and then the +Z direction side portion of the substrate S is held by the clamping member 23 b. The substrate S is held by both the clamping member 23 b of the substrate upper portion holding portion 23 and the clamping member 24 b of the substrate lower portion holding mechanism 24.

The substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously moves the raising and lowering members 23 a and 24 a in the +Z direction in a state where the substrate S is held by the clamping members 23 b and 24 b. The substrate processing unit SPU moves the raising and lowering mechanisms 23 c and 24 c in an interlocking manner so that the raising and lowering members 23 a and 24 a move at the same speed. The substrate S held by the clamping members 23 b and 24 b moves in the +Z direction. When the substrate S is disposed at the loading position LP, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the movement of the raising and lowering members 23 a and 24 a. In this manner, the loading operation of the substrate S is performed.

After the loading operation, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the holding portion 32 of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 to access the loading position LP, and allows the substrate S disposed at the loading position LP to be held by the holding portion 32. When the holding portion 32 accesses the loading position LP, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotary table 30 b so that the front end surface 31 b of the arm portion 31 faces the +Y direction, and drives the motor device 35 a so that the arm portion 31 moves in the Y direction. In accordance with the movement of the arm portion 31, the holding portion 32 mounted to the front end surface 31 b of the arm portion 31 accesses the loading position LP.

After the access of the holding portion 32, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the suction pump 34 a and the substrate S is held by suction by the holding portion 32. By means of the operation, the substrate S is held by the holding portion 32 so as to be upright in the Z direction. In the substrate processing unit SPU, after the substrate S is uprightly held by the holding portion 32, the holding force of the clamping members 23 b and 24 b is canceled so that the substrate S is held by only the holding portion 32. In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU withdraws the clamping members 23 b and 24 b, of which the holding force is canceled, in the −Z direction. After the clamping members 23 b and 24 b are withdrawn, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotary table 30 b of the loading carrying mechanism SC1, and carries the substrate S to a coating position inside the coating mechanism CT.

Next, the coating operation of coating the liquid material on the substrate S will be described. In the coating operation, the coating mechanism CT is used. The substrate processing unit SPU rotates the substrate S at a high speed in the state where the substrate is upright in the Z direction, allows nozzles 52 provided in the coating mechanism CT to access a coating position 50, and then ejects the liquid material from the nozzles 52 to the substrate S.

In detail, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the motor device 33 a in a state where the substrate S is disposed at the coating position 50. When the rotary shaft member 33 b rotates by the operation of the motor device 33 a, the holding portion 32 supported to the rotary shaft member 33 b rotates together with the rotary shaft member 33 b. According to this operation, the substrate S rotates while the substrate S is upright in the Z direction.

After the substrate S rotates in the state where the substrate S is upright in the Z direction, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the nozzle 52 on the +X and −X direction sides of the coating position 50 to access the substrate S, and ejects the liquid material from the nozzle 52 to the front and rear surfaces of the substrate S. The ejected liquid material equally spreads to the outer periphery of the substrate S by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation, thereby forming a thin film on both surfaces of the substrate S.

Since the nozzles 52 are disposed on the −Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S, the nozzles 52 are disposed without contacting with the holding portion 32 and the arm portion 31. In addition, since the nozzles 52 eject the liquid material from the rotary axis of the substrate S to the outer periphery of the substrate S, the movement of the liquid material toward the center of the substrate S is suppressed.

The substrate processing unit SPU may be configured to rotate an inner cup CP1 upon coating the liquid material on the substrate S by rotating the substrate S.

In the case where the substrate processing unit SPU is configured to rotate the inner cup CP1, as shown in FIG. 9, the inner cup CP1 is provided with a rotary mechanism (second rotary mechanism) 53 c which rotates the inner cup CP1 about the X axis serving as the rotary axis in a direction along the outer periphery of the substrate S.

Further, the discharging mechanism 54 is connected to the outer cup CP2, and the inner cup CP1 is provided with the opening 53 d.

Regardless of the rotation of the inner cup CP1, in the liquid material ejected onto the substrate S, due to the rotation of the substrate S, the liquid material protrudes and flows from the substrate S, and is accommodated in an accommodation portion 53 through an opening formed in a facing portion 53 a of the inner cup CP1. In the inside of the accommodation portion 53, due to the rotation of the substrate S, the stream of the liquid material and gas occurs in the rotation direction. In accordance with the stream, the liquid material and gas are discharged to a discharge path through a discharging mechanism 54 connected to an outer cup CP2. The liquid material and gas discharged to the discharge path are divided by a trap mechanism 55, so that the gas passes through the trap mechanism 55 and the liquid material remains in the trap mechanism 55. The liquid material remaining in the trap mechanism 55 is discharged through a discharge portion (not shown).

After the coating operation, the substrate processing unit SPU makes the holding portion 42 of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 access the substrate S inside the coating mechanism CT from the +X direction, and the holding portion 42 holds the substrate S. The operation of holding the substrate S using the holding portion 42 is the same as that of the case where the substrate S is held by the holding portion 32. According to this operation, one surface of the substrate S is held by the holding portion 32 of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the other surface of the substrate S is held by the holding portion 42 of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2.

After the substrate S is held by the holding portion 42, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the operation of the suction pump 34 a so as to cancel the holding operation using the holding portion 32. According to this operation, since the substrate S is held by only the holding portion 42 of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, the substrate S is delivered from the loading carrying mechanism SC1 to the unloading carrying mechanism SC2.

Next, the peripheral edge removing operation of removing the thin film formed in the periphery of the substrate S will be described. In the peripheral edge removing operation, the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR is used. After the delivery operation of the substrate S, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates a rotary table 40 b of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 and appropriately expands or contracts an arm portion 41 so that the substrate S is disposed on the +Z direction of the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR. At this time, the substrate processing unit SPU carries the substrate S by the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 so that the substrate S is disposed at the center in the Y direction of the dip portion.

After disposing the substrate S on the dip portion, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the dip portion and the suction portion to the +Z side using the raising and lowering mechanism and allows the substrate S to be dipped in the solution in the dip portion. Simultaneously, the substrate processing unit SPU brings the suction portion close to the side of the substrate S side, to access the substrate S.

The substrate processing unit SPU operates a motor device 43 a of an unloading carrying mechanism SC2, and starts a suctioning operation of the suction portion. The rotary shaft member 43 b rotates by an action of the motor device 43 a, and the suction member 46 held by the rotary shaft member 43 b rotates together with the rotary shaft member 43 b. The thin film of the peripheral edge of the substrate S is removed by the rotation. The portion where the thin film has been removed along the peripheral edge of the substrate S moves to the suction portion by rotation of the substrate S, and is then suctioned by the suction portion. The liquid material and solution Q remaining at the peripheral edge of the substrate S are removed by the suctioning operation.

After rotating the substrate S for a predetermined amount of time, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the rotation of the substrate S, and stops the suctioning operation by the suction portion. The substrate processing unit SPU stops these operations, moves the dip portion and the suction portion to the −Z side using the raising and lowering mechanism, and then cancels the dipping of the substrate S. In such a manner, the peripheral edge removing operation is performed.

After the peripheral edge removing operation, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the raising and lowering member 25 a so that the clamping member 25 b of the substrate upper portion holding mechanism 25 is located on the +Z direction side of the unloading position UP. After the movement of the raising and lowering member 25 a, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotary table 40 b in the state where the substrate S is held by the holding portion 42 of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, and appropriately expands or contracts the arm portion 41 so that the holding portion 42 accesses the unloading position UP. According to this operation, the substrate S is disposed at the unloading position UP.

Next, the unloading operation of the substrate S will be described. After the substrate processing unit SPU checks that the substrate S is disposed at the unloading position UP, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the raising and lowering member 25 a of the substrate upper portion holding mechanism 25 in the −Z direction and the raising and lowering member 26 a of the substrate lower portion holding mechanism 26 in the +Z direction. According to this movement, the clamping member 25 b mounted to the −Z direction side portion of the raising and lowering member 25 a comes into contact with the +Z direction side portion of the substrate S, and the clamping member 26 b mounted to the +Z direction side end portion of the raising and lowering member 26 a comes into contact with the −Z direction side portion of the substrate S so that the +Z direction side portion and the −Z direction side portion of the substrate S are respectively held by the clamping members 25 b and 26 b.

After the substrate processing unit SPU checks that the substrate S is held by both the clamping members 25 b and 26 b, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the operation of the suction pump 44 a of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 so as to cancel the operation of holding the substrate S using the holding portion 42. According to this operation, the substrate S is held by only the clamping members 25 b and 26 b. The substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously moves the raising and lowering members 25 a and 26 a in the −Z direction in the state where the substrate S is held by the clamping members 25 b and 26 b. The substrate processing unit SPU moves the raising and lowering mechanisms 25 c and 26 c in an interlocking manner so that the raising and lowering members 25 a and 26 a move at the same speed. The substrate S is moved in the −Z direction in the state where the substrate S is held by the clamping members 25 b and 26 b.

When the protrusion of the raising and lowering member 25 a approaches the unloading cassette C2, the substrate processing unit SPU cancels the holding force using the clamping member 25 b and stops the movement of the raising and lowering member 25 a so that only the raising and lowering member 26 a moves in the −Z direction. The substrate S is moved in the −Z direction in the state where the substrate S is held by the holding force using the clamping member 26 b.

The substrate processing unit SPU maintains the operation of holding the substrate S using the clamping member 26 b until the substrate S arrives at the accommodation position inside the unloading cassette C2. After the substrate S arrives at the accommodation position, the substrate processing unit SPU cancels the holding operation using the clamping member 26 b, and moves the raising and lowering member 26 a in the −Z direction. According to this operation, the substrate S is accommodated in the unloading cassette C2.

In the description of the respective operations, the respective operations are sequentially performed on one sheet of substrate S accommodated on the farthest −Y direction side of the loading cassette C1, but actually, the respective operations are continuously performed on plural substrates S. In this case, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the conveyor belt 20 b and moves the loading cassette C1 in the −Y direction so that the substrate S disposed on the farthest −Y direction side of the rest of the substrates S accommodated in the loading cassette C1 is disposed at a position overlapping with the loading position LP in plan view.

In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the conveyor belt 22 b and moves the unloading cassette C2 in the −Y direction so that the accommodation position on the farthest −Y direction side of the accommodation positions inside the unloading cassette C2 is disposed at a position overlapping with the unloading position UP in plan view. When the substrate processing unit SPU moves the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2, the substrate processing unit SPU repeats the above-described operations.

In the case where plural substrates S are processed, the substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously performs the processing operations on the plural substrates S. In detail, during the time when the coating operation is performed on a certain substrate S, the peripheral edge removing operation is performed on the other substrate S. In addition, the loading operation or the unloading operation is performed on another substrate S. In this manner, the operations are simultaneously performed on the plural substrates S. Thus, since the process operations are simultaneously performed, the standby time of the substrate S is reduced as much as possible, and hence the process takt time of the substrate S is reduced.

In the case where the processes of all the substrates S accommodated in the loading cassette C1 end, the loading cassette C1 is empty, and all accommodation positions of the unloading cassette C2 staying at the standby position P8 are filled with the processed substrates S. After the substrate processing unit SPU checks this state, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the loading cassette C1 from the standby position P4 to the standby position P2 by rotating the conveyor belt 20 b in the inverse direction, and moves the loading cassette C1 to the standby position P3 by rotating the conveyor belt 20 a. In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the unloading cassette C2 from the standby position P8 to the standby position P6 by rotating the conveyor belt 22 b in the inverse direction, and moves the unloading cassette C2 to the standby position P7 by rotating the conveyor belt 22 a.

Next, a maintenance operation of a nozzle portion NZ and a cup portion CP of the coating mechanism CT will be described with reference to FIG. 15. When the coating operation is repeated, solidified materials such as a liquid material or impurities such as chips or dust in the atmosphere may be adhered to the nozzle portion NZ or the cup portion CP. The impurities may block, for example, the nozzles 52 to thereby deteriorate the ejecting characteristic thereof or may block the discharge path inside the cup portion CP. In addition, in the ejecting operation, it is necessary to constantly manage the ejecting condition of the nozzles 52. Accordingly, it is necessary to periodically perform the maintenance operation of the nozzle portion NZ and the cup portion CP.

In the maintenance operation of the nozzle portion NZ, a nozzle managing mechanism NM is used. Upon cleaning the nozzles 52, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the nozzle portion NZ so that the nozzle managing mechanism NM accesses the nozzles 52. As shown in FIG. 15A, in the substrate processing unit SPU, the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 57 a corresponding to the soaking portion 57. In a state in which the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 57 a, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 is dipped in the soak solution Q in the soak solution storage portion 57 b. Accordingly, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 is moisturized by the soak solution Q (the soaking process).

After the soaking process, the substrate processing unit SPU detaches the nozzle 52 fitted into the groove portion 57 a, to move the nozzle 52 to the discharging portion 58. As shown in FIG. 15B, the substrate processing unit SPU brings the moved nozzle 52 to be fitted into the groove portion 58 a corresponding to the discharging portion 58. In a state in which the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 58 a, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 is to be inserted into the discharge flow path 58 c. In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the suction mechanism 58 b. By the operation of the suction mechanism 58 b, the discharge flow path 58 c and the soak solution storage portion 57 b communicated with the discharge flow path 58 c are suctioned (the suction process).

Due to this suction process, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 is suctioned, to dry the front end portion of the nozzle 52, and the impurities adhered to the nozzle 52 are removed. At the same time, due to this suctioning operation, the soak solution storage portion 57 b is suctioned, and the soak solution Q inside the soak solution storage portion 57 b moves to the discharge flow path 58 c, to be discharged through the discharge flow path 58 c.

After the suctioning operation, the substrate processing unit SPU detaches the nozzle 52 fitted into the groove portion 58 a, to move the nozzle 52 to the preliminary ejection portion 59. As shown in FIG. 15C, the substrate processing unit SPU brings the moved nozzle 52 to be fitted into the groove portion 59 a corresponding to the preliminary ejection portion 59. The substrate processing unit SPU causes the preliminary ejection portion 59 to perform a preliminary ejecting operation of the nozzle 52 (the preliminary ejecting process).

In the preliminary ejecting process, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the drain mechanism 59 d and the suction mechanism 59 f, and brings the end portion on the +Y direction side of the preliminary ejection member 59 b of the preliminary ejection portion 59 to protrude into the drain flow path 59 c. In this state, the front end portion of the nozzle 52 and the preliminary ejection member 59 b are overlapped in plan view. Further, the extending direction (the Z direction) of the front end portion of the nozzle 52 and the extending direction (the Y direction) of the preliminary ejection member 59 b are perpendicular to each other.

In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU preliminarily ejects the liquid material from the nozzle 52. Some of the liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52 touch the preliminary ejection member 59 b disposed above the ejecting direction of the liquid material, to be transmitted through the preliminary ejection member 59 b to flow in the −Y direction. Since the inside of the suction flow path 59 e in which the preliminary ejection member 59 b is disposed is suctioned by the suction mechanism 59 f, the liquid material is accelerated in the −Y direction to reach the suction mechanism 59 f, to be discharged from the suction mechanism 59 f. In such a manner, the preliminary ejection member 59 b receives some of the liquid material from the nozzle 52.

On the other hand, there is some of the liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52 which flows in the −Z direction inside the drain flow path 59 c. This liquid material is to be discharged through the drain mechanism 59 d.

After the liquid receiving process, the substrate processing unit SPU cleans the preliminary ejection member 59 b. In detail, a cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supplying mechanism 59 g to the preliminary ejection member 59 b. The cleaning liquid supplied to the preliminary ejection member 59 b is transmitted in the +Y direction and the −Y direction to flow through the preliminary ejection member 59 b. Accordingly, the liquid material adhered to the preliminary ejection member 59 b is removed by the cleaning liquid, to clean the preliminary ejection member 59 b.

The substrate processing unit SPU continues the suctioning operation of the drain flow path 59 c and the suction flow path 59 e in cleaning of the preliminary ejection member 59 b. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid reaching the end portion on the +Y direction side of the preliminary ejection member 59 b is discharged from the drain mechanism 59 d through the drain flow path 59 c. Further, the cleaning liquid reaching the end portion on the −Y direction side of the preliminary ejection member 59 b is discharged from the suction mechanism 59 f.

After completion of the cleaning of the preliminary ejection member 59 b, for example, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the preliminary ejection member 59 b in the −Y direction, to accommodate the preliminary ejection member 59 b in the suction flow path 59 e. The substrate processing unit SPU increases the suctioning force of the suction mechanism 59 f after accommodating the preliminary ejection member 59 b. Since the suctioning pressure inside the suction flow path 59 e is increased, the cleaning liquid adhered to the preliminary ejection member 59 b moves to the side of the suction mechanism 59 f. Due to this operation, the cleaning liquid adhered to the preliminary ejection member 59 b is discharged through the suction mechanism 59 f.

Due to the preliminary ejecting operation of the nozzle 52, the nozzle 52 is ready for the ejecting operation.

The maintenance operation of the cup portion CP will be described. Upon cleaning the cup portion CP, cleaning liquid nozzle portions 56 are used. Upon performing the coating operation, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the cleaning liquid nozzle portions 56 instead of the nozzles 52 to access the +X-direction-side portion and the −X-direction-side portion of the substrate S while the substrate S rotates, and ejects the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzle portions 56 to the substrate S. The cleaning liquid ejected onto the substrate S moves to the peripheral edge of the substrate S by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation, and flows from the peripheral edge of the substrate S to the inner cup CP1. The flying cleaning liquid is accommodated in the accommodation portion 53 through the opening of the facing portion 53 a.

In such a manner, in the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate S is rotated regardless of the rotation of the inner cup CP 1. Due to this operation, it is possible to cause a stream of the cleaning liquid in the accommodation portion 53, and it is possible to clean the inside of the accommodation portion 53 and the inside of the discharge path with the stream of the cleaning liquid. As in the case of discharging the liquid material, the cleaning liquid is divided by the trap mechanism 55 so as to be discharged separately from a gas.

The cleaning operation of the cup portion CP may be performed, for example, in the state where the facing portion 53 a of the accommodation portion 53 is separated. Even in the case where the cleaning operation is not performed, for example, the facing portion 53 a may be separated so as to separately clean the facing portion 53 a, or the facing portion 53 a may be separated so as to perform the maintenance operation of other portions of the cup portion CP.

Cassette Carrying Operation

Next, the cassette carrying operation in which the empty loading cassette C1 is carried to the substrate loading unit LDU and the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S is carried to the substrate unloading unit ULU will be described.

The operation of carrying the loading cassette C1 will be described. The carrying operation is performed by using the cassette carrying device CC used in the above-described carrying operation. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the loading buffer mechanism BF1 of the substrate processing unit SPU, and allows the cassette carrying device CC to perform the transfer operation of the empty loading cassette C1 staying in a standby state at the standby position P3.

After the transfer operation of the loading cassette C1, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC in the −X direction toward the substrate loading unit LDU. After the movement, the carrying unit CRU places the empty loading cassette C1 placed on the cassette support plate 72 on the +Y direction side end portion of the collection belt 11 b, and withdraws the cassette holding member 74 in the +Y direction.

The operation of carrying the unloading cassette C2 will be described. The carrying operation is performed by using the cassette carrying device CC in the same manner as in the operation of carrying the loading cassette C1. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the unloading buffer mechanism BF2 of the substrate processing unit SPU in the X direction, and allows the cassette carrying device CC to perform the transfer operation of the empty unloading cassette C2 staying in a standby state at the standby position P7.

After the transfer operation, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC in the −X direction toward the substrate unloading unit ULU. After the movement, the carrying unit CRU places the empty unloading cassette C2 placed on the cassette support plate 72 on the +Y direction side end portion of the collection belt 11 b, and withdraws the cassette holding member 74 in the +Y direction.

Cassette Collecting Operation

Next, a cassette collecting operation of collecting the empty loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S will be described.

After the substrate loading unit LDU checks that the empty loading cassette C1 is carried thereto, the substrate loading unit LDU rotates the collecting belt 11 b so that the loading cassette C1 is carried to the outside of the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance 10. Whenever the loading cassette C1 is carried to the substrate loading unit LDU, this operation is repeated.

In the same manner, after the substrate unloading unit ULU checks that the unloading cassette C2 accommodating the processed substrate S is carried thereto, the substrate unloading unit ULU rotates the collecting belt 61 b, so that the unloading cassette C2 is moved in the −Y direction and carried to the outside of the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance 60. Whenever the unloading cassette C2 is carried to the substrate unloading unit ULU, this operation is repeated.

Cassette Supplement Operation

After the carrying unit CRU checks that the standby positions P1 and P5 are empty, the carrying unit CRU allows the cassette carrying device CC to carry the next loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 to the standby positions P1 and P5, respectively. The carrying unit CRU first moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the substrate loading unit LDU, and transfers the next loading cassette C1 thereto. After the transfer operation, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the loading buffer mechanism BF1, and places the transferred loading cassette C1 in the standby position P1. In the same manner, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC to the substrate unloading unit ULU, and transfers the next unloading cassette C2 thereto. Then, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC to the unloading buffer mechanism BF2, and places the unloading cassette C2 in the standby position P5.

When the loading cassette C1 moves from the standby position P1 to the standby position P2, and the unloading cassette C2 moves from the standby position P5 to the standby position P6, the standby positions P1 and P5 become empty again. The next loading cassette C1 and the next unloading cassette C2 may stay at the empty standby positions P1 and P5, respectively. Thus, whenever the standby positions P1 and P5 of the loading buffer mechanism BF1 and the unloading buffer mechanism BF2 are empty, the carrying unit CRU carries the loading cassette C1 from the substrate loading unit LDU and carries the unloading cassette C2 from the substrate unloading unit ULU.

As described above, according to the embodiment, since the nozzle managing mechanism NM includes the soaking portion 57 that dips the front end of the nozzle 52 into the soak solution Q to clean the front end of the nozzle 52, it is possible to reliably clean the front end of the nozzle 52. In addition, since the nozzle managing mechanism NM includes the preliminary ejection portion 59 that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle 52, it is possible to maintain the discharging state of the nozzle 52 proper. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the discharging state of the nozzle 52 proper. Moreover, since the nozzle managing mechanism NM is provided with the suction mechanism 58 b that suctions the front end of the nozzle 52, it is possible to remove foreign objects or the like adhered to the front end of the nozzle 52, which makes it possible to keep the front end of the nozzle 52 clean.

In the embodiment, since the nozzle managing mechanism NM is mounted to the cup portion CP, it is possible to cause the nozzle 52 to move from the coating operation position by the cup portion CP to each accessing position of the nozzle managing mechanism NM in a short period of time. Moreover, since the discharging portion 58 is provided so as to be adjacent to the soaking portion 57, it is possible to efficiently discharge the soak solution in the soaking portion 57. In addition, since it is easy to adjust a discharging rate of the soak solution from the discharging portion 58, a wide range of discharging modes in which a soak solution overflowing from the soaking portion 57 is discharged and the like may be adopted.

In the embodiment, since the preliminary ejection portion 59 includes the preliminary ejection member 59 b receiving the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle 52, and the preliminary ejection member 59 b is formed linearly, the preliminary ejection member 59 b is capable of receiving the liquid material, not on its planar surface, but on its linear surface. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably receive the liquid material regardless of an ejecting direction of the liquid material. Further, since it suffices to provide the preliminary ejection portion 59 be provided with the preliminary ejection member 59 b (a linear member) smaller in volume than the planar portion for receiving liquid, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the preliminary ejection portion 59.

The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be appropriately modified into various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is provided the constitution in which the cleaning liquid nozzle portions 56 are disposed as nozzles ejecting the cleaning liquid for cleaning the cup portion CP, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the above-described nozzles 52 may be used to serve as, for example, cleaning liquid nozzles as well. In this case, a switching mechanism (not shown) which is capable of switching the supplying source of the nozzle 52 depending on a liquid material and a cleaning liquid, is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently carry out maintenance without complicating the constitution of the device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzle portion NZ is disposed at the position on the −Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S, and the nozzle portion NZ is configured to eject the liquid material along the direction of gravitational force, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle portion NZ may be disposed at a position on the +Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S, and the nozzle portion NZ may be configured to eject the liquid material opposite the direction of the gravitational force.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzle 52 is formed so that it is bent at the bent portion 52 b, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle 52 may be formed in a curved form toward the −Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothen the circulation of the liquid material.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzles 52 are disposed at the same positions of the front surface and the rear surface of the substrate S, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzles 52 may be disposed at different positions as a position of the front surface and a position of the rear surface. For example, relative to the +X direction side of the coating position 50, the nozzle 52 may be disposed on the −Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S, and relative to the −X direction side of the coating position 50, the nozzle 52 may be disposed on the +Z direction side of the rotary axis of the substrate S. The positions on the +Z direction side and the −Z direction side may, of course, be reversed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzle managing mechanism NM is mounted to the cup portion CP, but the invention is not limited thereto. The nozzle managing mechanism NM may be disposed at another position within a range in which the nozzle managing mechanism NM is able to move.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, upon cleaning the inside the cup portion CP, the cleaning liquid is ejected onto the substrate S by the cleaning liquid nozzle portions 56, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a substrate for cleaning liquid ejection which is different from the substrate S may be disposed at the coating position 50, and the cleaning liquid may be ejected onto the substrate for cleaning liquid ejection. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce consumption of the substrate S except for the use for forming a thin film.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the substrate carrying mechanisms SC are provided at the two positions in the substrate processing unit SPU, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate carrying mechanism SC may be disposed at one position, or the substrate carrying mechanisms SC may be disposed at three or more positions.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description of the constitution in which the substrate loading unit LDU includes the belt conveyor mechanism as the moving mechanism 11 has been made as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The substrate loading unit LDU may include a fork member that holds the engagement portion Cx of the loading cassette C1 in addition to the belt conveyor mechanism. This fork member may be formed in the same way as, for example, the cassette holding member 74 of the cassette carrying device CC. The fork member may be configured to hold the engagement portion Cx of the loading cassette C1 to move in the substrate loading unit LDU. The fork member may be used as the cassette moving mechanism 61 of the substrate unloading unit ULU.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, conveyor belts 20 a, 20 b, 22 a, and 22 b have been described as examples of mechanisms for moving the standby positions of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2 in the loading buffer mechanism BF1 and the unloading buffer mechanism BF2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the loading buffer mechanism BF1 may be provided with a moving mechanism for moving the loading cassette C1 to the standby position P1, the standby position P2, the standby position P4, the standby position P2, and the standby position P3 in series. In the same way, the unloading buffer mechanism BF2 may be provided with a moving mechanism for moving the unloading cassette C2 to the standby position P5, the standby position P6, the standby position P8, the standby position P6, and the standby position P7 in series. Such moving mechanisms, may be exemplified, for example, by a constitution with fork members holding the engagement portions Cx of the loading cassette C1 and the unloading cassette C2. This fork member may be formed in the same way as, for example, the cassette holding member 74 of the cassette carrying device CC.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the loading carrying mechanism SC1 holds the substrate S to rotate the substrate S, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 may be configured to sandwich the front surface and the rear surface of the substrate S to rotate the substrate S. In this case, one of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 may be self-driven to rotate, and the other one of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 may be driven to rotate, or both of them may be self-driven to rotate. When the front surface and the rear surface of the substrate S are held by the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, it is possible to equalize the air currents and the like on the front surface side and the rear surface side of the substrate S as much as possible. When the states on the both surface sides of the substrate S are adjusted, it is possible to prevent the qualities of the films coated on the both surfaces of the substrate S from differing from each other.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR is provided only on the side of the unloading carrying mechanism SC2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR may be provided on the side of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 as well (the portion of the dashed line in FIG. 1). With this constitution, for example, it is possible to cause the both of the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 to perform a coating operation and a peripheral edge removing operation respectively.

For example, while the loading carrying mechanism SC1 is caused to perform a coating operation, it is possible to cause the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 to perform a peripheral edge removing operation. Reversely, while the loading carrying mechanism SC1 is caused to perform a peripheral edge removing operation, it is possible to cause the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 to perform a coating operation. In such a manner, since the two substrate loading devices SC are alternately made to access the coating device CT, which makes it possible to perform parallel processes, efficient processing is possible, which makes it possible to make an attempt to further shorten the total process takt time.

Further, as described above, when the loading carrying mechanism SC1 and the unloading carrying mechanism SC2 are configured to simultaneously hold the substrate S to rotate the substrate S, the inside of the peripheral edge removing mechanism EBR may be provided in the coating device CT. With this constitution, the coating operation is performed in the state where the substrate S is held and rotated by each of the loading carrying device SC1 and the unloading carrying device SC2, and the peripheral edge removing operation is continuously performed after the coating operation. Accordingly, since the coating operation and the peripheral edge removing operation are performed by one device, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the process. In addition, since the coating operation and the peripheral edge removing operation are performed by one coating device CT, for example, after performing the coating operation and the peripheral edge removing operation on one sheet of substrate S, the next substrate S to be processed can be loaded by the loading carrying device SC1 in the state where the one sheet of substrate S is unloaded by the unloading carrying device SC2. Since it is possible to simultaneously perform the loading operation using the loading carrying device SC1 and the unloading operation using the unloading carrying device SC2, it is possible to efficiently perform the process operation.

In the above-described embodiment, the cassette moving mechanisms 20, 22 are described as the belt conveyor mechanism in the loading buffer mechanism BF1 and the unloading buffer mechanism BF2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the cassette C may be carried by the arm mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a view which corresponds to FIG. 1 in the above-described embodiment and shows a constitution of cassette moving mechanisms 20, 22. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the cassette moving mechanism 20 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a view showing a partial constitution of the cassette moving mechanism 20. FIG. 19 is a view showing the state when the cassette moving mechanism 20 is viewed in the +Y direction. Since the cassette moving mechanism 20 has the same constitution as that of the cassette moving mechanism 22, the description is mainly made by way of the cassette moving mechanism 20. FIGS. 17 and 18 show the standby positions P1 to P4 corresponding to the standby position P5 to P8.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the cassette moving mechanism 20 includes a cassette placing member 20 a and a cassette carrying arm 20 b. The cassette placing member 20 a is a plate-shaped member provided respectively at the standby positions P1 to P3. On the +Z side surface of the cassette placing member 20 a, a loading cassette C1 is placed.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cassette placing member 20 a provided at the standby position P2 is movable in the Y direction by the driving portion (not shown). Therefore, the cassette placing member 20 a provided at the standby position P2 is removable between the standby position P2 and the standby position P4 by the driving portion. The cassette placing member 20 a provided at the standby positions P1 and P3 is in the fixed state.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, on the +Z side surface (placing surface) of the cassette placing member 20 a, the ring-shaped convex portion 20 c is formed along the outer periphery of the loading cassette C1. By providing this convex portion 20 c, the loading cassette C1 is fitted into the convex portion 20 c in the state where the loading cassette C1 is placed on the cassette placing member 20 a. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform positioning of the loading cassette C1 and to prevent the positional deviation of the loading cassette C1.

The cassette carrying arm 20 b is provided at two positions of the standby positions P1 to P3. The cassette carrying arm 20 b is formed along the outer periphery of the cassette placing member 20 a in the Z direction view. The cassette carrying arm 20 b is provided movably in the X and Z directions by the driving portion (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 18, the cassette carrying arm 20 b is in the state of being fixed and supported by the arm supporting member 20 d. To the arm supporting member 20 d, the driving mechanism (not shown) is connected. The driving mechanism (not shown) forms the arm supporting member 20 d movably in the X and Z directions. The cassette carrying arm 20 b is movable together with the movement of the arm supporting member 20 d. As shown in FIG. 19, the cassette carrying arm 20 b is provided movably on the +Z side and the −Z side of the cassette placing member 20 a.

Next, an operation of the cassette moving mechanism 20 with the above-described constitution will be described. While the operation is representatively described by way of the cassette moving mechanism 20 in the following description of the operation, a similar operation is performed with respect to the cassette moving mechanism 22.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b from the −Z side to the +Z side of the cassette placing member 20 a in the state where the loading cassette C1 is placed on the cassette placing member 20 a provided at the standby position P1. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm 20 b receives the loading cassette C1, resulting in the state where the loading cassette C1 is lifted from the cassette placing member 20 a.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b receiving the loading cassette C1 in the +X direction, and then stops the movement at the standby position P2. After stopping the movement, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b in the Z direction of the cassette placing member 20 a. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm 20 b delivers the loading cassette C1 to cassette placing member 20 a, and the cassette carrying arm 20 b moves to the −Z side of the cassette placing member 20 a.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b to the −Z side of the cassette placing member 20 a, and then moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b in the −X direction. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm 20 b returns to the original position (standby position P1). Simultaneously, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b disposed at the standby position P3 in the X direction. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm 20 b is placed on the −Z side of the cassette placing member 20 a at the standby position P2.

The substrate processing unit SPU performs an operation of moving the cassette placing member 20 a to the standby position P4 from the state where the loading cassette C1 is placed on the cassette placing member 20 a at the standby position P2. By the operation, the loading cassette C1 moves from the standby position P2 to the standby position P4. In this case, the cassette carrying arm 20 b disposed at the standby position P2 does not move, and only the cassette placing member 20 a moves to the standby position P2. After processing the substrate S at the standby position P4, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member 20 a from the standby position P4 to the standby position P2. By this operation, the loading cassette C1 is returned to the standby position P2.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b disposed newly at the standby position P2 on the +X side in the drawing in the +Z direction, to cause the cassette carrying arm 20 b to receive the loading cassette C1. After the substrate processing unit SPU causes the cassette carrying arm 20 b to receive the loading cassette C1, the substrate processing unit SPU moves this cassette carrying arm 20 b in the +X direction, and then stops the movement at the standby position P3. After stopping the movement, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b in the −Z direction, and places the loading cassette C1 on the cassette placing member 20 a of the standby position P3.

As described above, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b disposed on the −X side in the drawing between the standby position P1 and the standby position P2, and moves the cassette carrying arm 20 b disposed on the +X side in the drawing between the standby position P2 and the standby position P3. By this operation, it is possible to separately carry the loading cassette C1 disposed at the standby position P1 and the loading cassette C1 disposed at the standby position P2.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member 20 a disposed at the standby position P2 between the standby position P2 and the standby position P4. By this operation, it is possible to move the loading cassette C1 carried to the standby position P2 to the standby position P4, and to return the loading cassette C1 at the standby position P4 to the standby position P2.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description of the mode in which the preliminary ejection portion 59 performs a preliminary ejecting operation of the nozzle 52, has been made as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a mode in which the nozzle 52 is connected to the discharging portion 58 to perform a preliminary ejecting operation.

For example, the nozzle 52 after an ejecting operation onto the substrate P is dipped in the soak solution Q in the soaking portion 57. In the case where a preliminary ejecting operation is performed, the nozzle 52 is raised from the soak solution, and the nozzle 52 is fitted into the groove portion 58 a of the discharging portion 58. In this state, for example, the liquid material is preliminarily ejected from the nozzle 52 without operating the suction mechanism 58 b. The preliminary ejected liquid materials is discharged via the discharge flow path 58 c.

In such a manner, when a preliminary ejecting operation of the nozzle 52 is performed by the discharging portion 58 without using the preliminary ejection portion 59, it is possible to shorten a takt time. Further, since the discharging portion 58 serves as both a discharging portion for the soak solution Q and a discharging portion for the liquid material, it is possible to unify the management of the discharging portion 58, which makes it possible to shorten a takt time for the entire processes.

In addition, in this case, it is preferable that a liquid which is the same as the liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52 is used as a soak solution Q. In such a manner, since the soak solution Q and the liquid material of the same kind of liquids are discharged from the discharging portion 58, it is possible to more efficiently manage the discharge liquid from the discharging portion 58.

Further, regarding a preliminary ejecting operation, it may be a mode in which, for example, the soaking portion 57 performs a preliminary ejecting operation. In this case, first, the nozzle 52 after a preliminary ejecting operation onto the substrate S is dipped in the soak solution Q in the soaking portion 57. In the case where a preliminary ejecting operation is performed, the nozzle 52 is raised from the soak solution, and the liquid material is preliminarily ejected from the nozzle 52 in a state in which the nozzle 52 is not dipped in the soak solution. The preliminarily ejected liquid material is stored in the soak solution storage portion 57 b. The liquid material stored in the soak solution storage portion 57 b may be discharged from the discharging portion 58 as needed by, for example, operating the suction mechanism 58 b.

In such a manner, when the soaking portion 57 performs a preliminary ejecting operation of the nozzle 52, it is possible to further shorten a takt time for the entire processes. Further, since the liquid material used for preliminary ejecting may be used as a new soak solution Q, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce consumption of the soak solution Q (liquid material).

In addition, in this case as well, a liquid which is the same as the liquid material ejected from the nozzle 52 may be used as a soak solution Q. In such a manner, the liquid material stored in the soak solution storage portion 57 may be used as a soak solution Q in which the front end of the nozzle 52 is dipped. Moreover, since the soak solution Q and the liquid material of the same kind of liquids are discharged from the discharging portion 58, it is possible to more efficiently manage the discharge liquid from the discharging portion 58. 

1. A coating device comprising: a coating mechanism which includes nozzles for ejecting a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of a substrate while rotating the substrate in an upright state; and a nozzle managing mechanism which manages the state of the nozzles, wherein the nozzle managing mechanism includes a soaking portion which dips the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution, and a discharging portion which discharges at least the soak solution.
 2. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle managing mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the coating mechanism.
 3. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the coating device includes a cup portion, and the nozzle managing mechanism is mounted to the cup portion.
 4. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the discharging portion includes a connection portion to which the front end of the nozzle is connected.
 5. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the discharging portion includes a suction portion.
 6. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the discharging portion is provided so as to be adjacent to the soaking portion.
 7. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle managing mechanism includes at least a movement restricting portion that restricts a movement of the nozzle in a state in which the nozzle is connected to the soaking portion.
 8. The coating device according to claim 7, wherein the movement restricting portion includes a groove portion into which the front end of the nozzle is fitted.
 9. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the soaking portion includes a soak solution storage portion storing the soak solution, and the soak solution storage portion is formed so as to become narrower gradually in the depth direction.
 10. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle managing mechanism includes a preliminary ejection portion that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle, and the preliminary ejection portion includes a linear member that receives the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle.
 11. The coating device according to claim 10, wherein the linear member is disposed so as to intersect with the ejecting direction of the liquid material.
 12. The coating device according to claim 10, wherein the linear member is provided so as to be capable of drawing back from the front end of the nozzle.
 13. The coating device according to claim 10, wherein the preliminary ejection portion includes a second suction portion that suctions a surrounding space of the linear member.
 14. A nozzle managing method in which nozzles eject a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of the substrate while rotating a substrate in an upright state, comprising: a soaking process of dipping the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution; and discharging of the soak solution.
 15. The nozzle managing method according to claim 14, further comprising preliminary ejecting of the liquid material from the front end of the nozzle.
 16. The nozzle managing method according to claim 15, wherein the preliminary ejecting includes suctioning of the front end of the nozzle.
 17. The nozzle managing method according to claim 15, wherein the preliminary ejecting includes receiving of the liquid material preliminarily ejected from the nozzle by use of a linear member.
 18. The nozzle managing method according to claim 17, wherein the preliminary ejecting includes second suction of suctioning a surrounding space of the receiving the linear member. 